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Former Maoist Becomes Corona Warrior: Stitches 90 Masks Everyday For Tribals In Chhattisgarh
Swarajya Staff
Apr 13, 2020, 02:32 PM | Updated 02:32 PM IST
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In a complete cinematic style change of heart, Madakam Lakha has completely turned around his life.
Just a year ago, Lakha used to stitch uniforms for the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) commanders such as Ramanna and Madvi Hidma in the remote jungles of South Sukma in Chhattisgarh. However, now he can be seen devoting all his energy in sewing masks to combat the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak, reports Hindustan Times.
As per the report, 38-year-old Lakha joined the Maoists in 1998 as a member of Bal Sanhgam (child soldiers). He surrendered in August 2019, and is currently lodged in Sukma police line. He feels great satisfaction in playing his part in fight against novel coronavirus.
Sundarraj Patilingam, Inspector General of Police (IG) in South Bastar Range, reportedly said, “Lakha came to know about the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) units such as masks a few days ago and started stitching them inside Sukma Police Line. He’s making up to 90 masks a day that are being distributed by the police among the local tribal people.”
Additionally, the IG states that Lakha is a great asset for the police as he used to stitch clothes for the top brass in the ultra left party. He further adds that Lakha is helping them with invaluable information and also interpreting local dialects for them.
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